Feb 22, 2026

Living in Unconditional Love (256)

 

“Love flows from God to humans without effort:

As a bird glides through the air without moving its wings-

Thus, they go wherever they wish united in body and soul,

Yet separate in form.”

–Mechtild of Magdeburg

 

My wife Eileen died from esophageal cancer in February 2020 one year after being diagnosed, 60 years after we met on Long Island. Then my brother Tom became ill (not COVID), and I spent a total of six weeks being with him in Ohio, but he died in October 2020. My sister-in-law Sue Mahoney died from Covid-19 in January 2021. On top of it all stood the pandemic, locking everyone down almost two years. Covid has proved to be a persistent problem, and many of the long-term effects are quite serious, and it has proven much more serious than flu.

02/22/2056                             This will be published on the 6^th anniversary of Eileen’s death, but I am writing this the evening before, on my granddaughter Maria’s 6^th birthday. Maria was born the day before Eileen died, and Eileen woke up to see the little bundle shortly after her birth. Eileen opened her eyes and gave a truly beautiful smile, when she saw the little one on FaceTime. I believe that was the last time she had her eyes open, at least the last time I saw. She died about 24 hours later.

But today I have been celebrating Maria’s birthday in Peru, and she will have a full-blown party on Tuesday. We had a wonderful breakfast at the Hilton Hotel where the food is outstanding and a warm atmosphere of joy. We were joined by Alesandra’s mom and a friend and her little boy. It was very nice, and the kids really enjoyed it. It is one of Maria’s favorite places, and the food is delicious.

After that we went to a friend of Alesandra’s that was celebrating her open house for a children’s spa, with everything child sized but complete with hair and nail work for small beings. There was no place to sit for me, and so I stayed for only a bit as it was jammed. Alesandra’s mom felt the same way, and so we went back to the condo. In took my nap and Alesandra’s mom decided to head home as she did not feel great. That evening we had a great supper (tuna-noodle casserole), had a long-distance family call back to the states and sang happy birthday and cut her chocolate cake – her favorite.

It is a very moving experience to be with these three little girls. I cannot describe the feeling on my first evening here all three were sitting on my bed chattering away, and when they left, they each said, “I love you grandpa”, unprompted. There is no feeling like that.

I truly feel the blessings of God that I had the privilege to have been with Eilleen for 60 years almost to the day when we first met in February 1960. I knew from the first moment I saw her that she was the one for me. I was right in that first feeling and so fortunate to win her love.

Meditation

Gentle One, I am so grateful for all the wonders and joy I have been granted. I ask for these wonders and joyful feelings be spread to all and that all may feel the joy of love in their lives. I feel so fortunate to have had 60 years of love and joy and this celebration of life with my granddaughters is breathtaking in wonder.